Redbook: 25 lazy ways to stay slim

Feel healthy and fit by following these easy health tips—you won't have to lift a finger!

By Rosa Heyman, Redbook.com

on July 23, 2013 4:19 PM

Photo: Maria Teijeiro/Getty Images/OJO Images RF

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We can't go on the Internet anymore without learning of a new diet tip that is designed to make us lose five pounds in five minutes and three dress sizes by the weekend. And yet some women always appear healthy and thin while never seeming to feed into these crazy diet fads, or even dieting at all! To find out how they – The Skinny Women – do it, our Hearst partner Redbook asked two nutritionists to weigh in on some of the best and easy lifestyle choices that you will make to feel healthy and look great.
1. Don't deprive yourself
"Enjoy the foods you love in moderation," encourages Amy Shapiro MS, RD, CND, of Real Nutrition NYC. "No single food makes you gain weight, the portions are what matters." less

We can't go on the Internet anymore without learning of a new diet tip that is designed to make us lose five pounds in five minutes and three dress sizes by the weekend. And yet some women always appear healthy ... more

Photo: Lauri Patterson, Getty Images

We can't go on the Internet anymore without learning of a new... Photo-4764997.64253 - GreenwichTime

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2. Eat until you feel satisfied, not full
You've heard this before. Etiquette author Emily Post believed that a polite lady should put down her fork between every bite, a technique that also helps you realize when to stop eating before you feel bloated. less

2. Eat until you feel satisfied, not full You've heard this before. Etiquette author Emily Post believed that a polite lady should put down her fork between every bite, a technique that also helps you realize ... more

4. When ordering out, always order a small
"Whether it be coffee, salads, soups, frozen yogurt," says Stephanie Middleberg, MS, RD, CDN of Middleberg Nutrition. "If you want to be small, order that way."

4. When ordering out, always order a small "Whether it be coffee, salads, soups, frozen yogurt," says Stephanie Middleberg, MS, RD, CDN of Middleberg Nutrition. "If you want to be small, order that way."

Photo: Dougal Waters, Getty Images

4. When ordering out, always order a small
"Whether it be... Photo-4765000.64253 - GreenwichTime

8. Leave 1/4 of your food on your plate when dining out
"When we eat out, portions are normally double what we need," explains Middleberg. "The beauty here is that you can eat what you like, just less of it."

8. Leave 1/4 of your food on your plate when dining out "When we eat out, portions are normally double what we need," explains Middleberg. "The beauty here is that you can eat what you like, just less of it."

10. Make sure your intake isn't top heavy
"Don't restrict yourself all day and then break down at night." Middleberg promises, "If you eat more substantially during the day, the nighttime grazing will taper."

10. Make sure your intake isn't top heavy "Don't restrict yourself all day and then break down at night." Middleberg promises, "If you eat more substantially during the day, the nighttime grazing will taper."

16. Always choose whole grains and avoid the white stuff
This way, you don't have to cut out carbs entirely. Shapiro breaks it down: "Whole grains keep you full longer, maintain your blood sugar levels and provide you with vitamins and minerals. White flour quickly converts to sugar in your body. If you don't burn it up, you will store it as fat." less

16. Always choose whole grains and avoid the white stuff This way, you don't have to cut out carbs entirely. Shapiro breaks it down: "Whole grains keep you full longer, maintain your blood sugar levels and ... more

18. Be active for at least 3 hours each week
Shapiro says, "Even if that means waking up an hour earlier to hit the gym, going for a walk after dinner, hopping off the bus or subway a few stops early or parking your car further than you normally would." less

18. Be active for at least 3 hours each week Shapiro says, "Even if that means waking up an hour earlier to hit the gym, going for a walk after dinner, hopping off the bus or subway a few stops early or parking ... more

19. But know that exercise isn't everything
Going to the gym does not mean you can reward yourself with a gargantuan dessert later on. Eating well, not exercise, determines whether you will gain or lose weight.

19. But know that exercise isn't everything Going to the gym does not mean you can reward yourself with a gargantuan dessert later on. Eating well, not exercise, determines whether you will gain or lose weight.

20. Try to avoid the "mish-mosh" dinner
"The problem with having a meal of hummus, crackers, yogurt, etc.," warns Middleberg, "is that these 'snack for meals' often end up being more calories than having a balanced dinner." less

20. Try to avoid the "mish-mosh" dinner "The problem with having a meal of hummus, crackers, yogurt, etc.," warns Middleberg, "is that these 'snack for meals' often end up being more calories than having a ... more

25. Stay Away From Artificial Sweeteners
"Artificial sweeteners increase cravings and lead to bloating and fatigue. Go for one teaspoon of sugar in the raw, or honey or maple syrup. One teaspoon is only sixteen calories," says Middleberg. less

25. Stay Away From Artificial Sweeteners "Artificial sweeteners increase cravings and lead to bloating and fatigue. Go for one teaspoon of sugar in the raw, or honey or maple syrup. One teaspoon is only sixteen ... more